Automatic radiator control



Oct. 20, 1936. E.,F. PIERS AUTOMATIC RADI ATOR CONTROL Filed Oct. 6,1933 5 Sheets- Sheet 1 Oct. 20, 1936.

E. F. PIERS AUTOMATIC RAD IATOR CONTROL Filed 001;. 6

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I Oct. 20, 1936. I PlERs 2 058,)4

AUTOMATIC RADIATOR CONTROL (I Filed OGt. 6, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet a E m.96

5m FPiers;

Patented Oct. 20, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 9 Claims. Theinvention relates to certain new and useful improvements in theautomatic control of prime surface heating radiator units, and theefiicient'utiiization of the heat contained in the heating mediumsupplied to the radiating units.

The primary object of the invention is to provide full automatic controlof any heating me.- dium of a gaseous fluid nature, that is condensableat normal temperatures, such as steam (hereinafter called steam)supplied to any heat radiating unit (hereinafter called the radiator)whose prime surface is used to heat a surrounding fluid (hereinaftercalled air).

Further it isan object to utilize as the governing factors, first, thesteam after it has passed through theradiator and the products of thethermaltransfer from the steam to the radiator within said radiator,that'are discharged or have arrived at the return or discharge openingfrom said radiator; second, the temperature of the air heated andcirculated over the prime surface of the radiator.

A further object is to provide fora self-contained unit with all partsprotected from mechanical injury; a unit that when once adjustedrequires no further adjustment; a unit that precludes the necessity. foror the use of any form of hand controlled valve connecting said radiatorto the system of piping distributing the steam; a unit that precludesthe necessity for or the use of any form of trap, air valve or checkvalve topreventthe passage of any uncondensed steam beyond the radiatorinto the return piping,

and/or to purge the contained air from within said radiator; a unit-thatwill at all times and under all conditions allow the free, unobstructedand continuous passage of contained air and condensed steam to pass fromthe interior of the radiator through the discharge opening into thereturn piping-system; a-unitthat may be connected incircuit with anyextant two pipe steam or vapor heating system without disturbingv in theleast the properoperation ofany or all of the units of said system; aunit that will give up or deliver, a given quantity of British thermalunits per. unit of prime radiating surface, regardless of the initialpressure or superheat of the supplied steam.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part be pointed outhereinafter.

To the attainment of the aforesaid objects and ends, the inventions-tillfurther resides in the novel details of combination, and arrangement ofparts, construction, etc., all of which will be firstiully described inthe following detailed de 7 of that shown in Figure 1. 7

scription, then be particularly pointed out in the appended claims,reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:--

Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section on th center line throughthehubs or longitudinal pas- 5 sages of a conventional steam radiatorwith my invention incorporated therein.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of an application of a simplifiedform of my invention as a high or low pressure steam trap.

Figure 3 is a cross section on line 33 of Figure 2 looking in thedirection of the arrows.

Figure. 4 is anfenlarged vertical longitudinal section of theconstruction of the valve mechanism employed as a part of my invention.

Figure 5 is a cross section on line 5-5 of Figure 4 the upper half .ofwhich looks in the direction of the upper arrow and'the lower half ofwhich looks in the direction of-the lower arrow. Figure 6 is an enlargedvertical longitudinal section of the actuating mechanism and housing forsame.

Figure 7 is a cross section on the line l-l of Figure 6 looking in thedirection of the arrows.

Figure 8 is a partial crosssectionof Figure. 6 on the line 8-8, lookingin the direction of the arrows.

Figure 9 is an elevation of another form of Valve mechanism which may beemployed in lieu Figure 10 is a vertical longitudinal section of thesame.

Figure 11 is a cross section on the line lI-|l of Figure 10.

Inthe drawings, in which like numerals and .35 letters of referenceindicate like parts in all the figures, l represents a conventional castiron radiator with through passages from-end to end at both top andbottom hubs. However, I do not wish to confine the application to'thisparticular 40 pattern or style of radiator unit, as the invention isapplicable to any style or pattern of direct or indirect radiating unitnow extant; or other steam conveying or containing unit, as laterexplained.

The radiator legs are indicated by 2, the nipe15 ples connecting theupper and lower hubs by 3, the first column or section of radiator by 5,all other columns or sections by 6, and upper tapping closure plugs by4. i

In Figure l is indicated a source of electricity, composed of a lowwattage transformer comprised of the followingnumbered parts; irepresents a laminated iron core, 8 a primary winding on said coreconnected to the terminals 9 which terminals are fed by any alternatingcurrent sup- 5 ply, l8 represents a low voltage secondary winding onsaid core l supplying a low voltage current to the terminals Also asimple make and break electric thermostat is indicated, comprised of thefollowing numbered parts; i2 is a bimetal thermal spring anchored at oneend to the frame of the thermostat and carrying a blade l3 on the otherend. Said blade carries a contact point thereon that engages the contactpoint |4 when a rising temperature expands the thermal spring I2 andmoves the blade l3 up to the contact point l4. I5 represents a manuallyoperated switch, in multiple with said thermostat, to close thethermostat circuit at will. l6 and Il indicate conductors connecting thethermostat, switch and transformer terminals H to the terminals l8 andIS in bushing 29 of my invention.

I do not claim invention on the transformer,

thermostat and switch, but have indicated these items to betterillustrate the principle. A direct current supply, such as anaccumulator, dynamo, or primary cells, may be used in place of thetransformer indicated.

Referring now particularly to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, it willbe observed that 2| is a hexagon lipped bushing that is adapted by thestandard pipe thread 22 to screw into the inlet or supply aperture ofthe radiator I. This bushing is internally threaded with a standard pipethread at 23 for the reception of the steam supply pipe of the heatingsystem, the said opening 23 constituting the steam inlet. Carried by andwithin the bushing 2| is a valve seat 24 composed of a hard corrosionresisting metal such as stainless steel. Said bushing 2| is providedwith an extended shell 21 in which six ports 25 are placed, equallyspaced about its girth. Said extended shell of bushing 2| is internallythreaded at 26 for a suflicient distance to allow the parts 49 and 54 tobe accommodated with ample adjusting thread.

Mounted to float within the shell of bushing 2|, is the valve head 28which carries the valve disc 29 on the cylindrical boss 38. The boss 39is provided with a screw driver slot 3|, for adustment of the valveopening. The valve head 28 is provided with an enclosing shell 32, whichshell is segmented at the rear end into four prongs 33, which prongsabut the flanged face 48. The valve head 28 is guided in the chamber 43by the guide post 35. Three sets of relief slots or channels 36 in thegirth of the guide post 35 are provided. A port 31 connects andmaintains communication from 23 to 43 and through 36 to 85. The valvedisc 29 is loosely carried on the boss 30 and is provided with aconcentric shoulder 38 that abuts the concentric shoulder 39 on valvehead 28. Valve head 28 is flexibly connected as shown to the adjustableguide member 48, by the corrugated metal bellows 4|.

The guide member 40 is threaded on its outer circumference at 42 whichthreads engage the threads 26 in the shell 21 of the member 2 I. Thebore 43 of 40 forms a guide for the guide post 35 of valve head 28.Slots or apertures 44 are provided in 48 to allow the four prongs 33 ofthe valve head 28 to freely move back and forth therein. The rearportion of the adjustable guide 40 forms a guide post for the cylinder45, in

which guide post are three sets of slots or channels 4B in the girths ofthe annular guides thereon.

The cylindrical shell 45 is provided with a closing head 41 at the rearend and an extended circular flange 48 at the other end, the face ofsaid flange 48 abutting the ends of the prongs 33 of valve head 28. Thehead 41 is flexibly or movably connected to 54 by the bellows 49. Thecylindrical shell 45 is guided in its movement, upon the guide post ofthe adjustable guide member 40.

The cylindrical enclosing shell 59 is provided with a closing head 5| atthe rear end, the boss 52 of which accommodates the connection of thetubing 51. The extended annular flange 54 is threaded on itscircumference at 53 which threads engage the threads 25 of the shell 21.In the edge of the flange 54 is the fixed pin 55 which engages a hole inthe edge of the flange of the adjustable guide member 49. The insideflange of 54 provides an attachment for the bellows 49 and also a stopfor the rearward motion of the extended front flange 48 of shell 45.

The member 56 is a porous packing ring to engage the radiator nipple 3between sections 5 and 6 of the radiator The bellows 4| and 49 aresecured to the members 28, 49, 54 and 4'! by soldering, brazing, weldingor any other suitable method that will effect a gas and liquid tightconnection. Tubing 51 is secured in boss 52 in a similar manner andjoints between members 59 and 5|, 50 and 54, and 45 and 4'! are likewisemade. Valve seat 24 is a press fit into 2|, or other suitable steamtight fastening method.

Referring now to Figures 5, 7 and 8 of the drawings, it will be observedthat 20 is a hexagon bushing that is adapted by the standard pipethreads 53 to screw into the outlet, return or discharge opening oraperture, of the radiator This bushing is internally threaded,eccentrical- 1y, with a standard pipe thread at 59 for the accommodationof the connection to the return piping of the heating system, the saidopening 59 constituting the outlet of the radiator. The bushing 20 isprovided with an eccentrically placed chamber 60 and a port 6|, both ofwhich open into the outlet opening 59. The port 6| opens to the bottomof the bushing 20 at its inlet end, and is provided with a verticalpassage as well as a horizontal passage. Secured in the end of thechamber 68 is a dielectric cup 62, secured to the bushing 29 by thecountersunk screws 63. Said cup 62 is cut away, as shown, at the bottomof the closed end, to allow a free passage between chamber 69 andopening 59. The insulating cup 62 has the conical bronze spring E54secufred therein by the screw 65. Screw 55 is threaded into the head ofthe cup 62, securing the spring 64 and extending through the insulatingbushing 66 to be engaged by the terminal screw l8, insulating bushing 66being threaded into and secured by 29. The terminal screw I8 is threadedinto the insulating bushing 61 which in turn is threaded into andsecured by 29. The terminal screw |8 engages and makes an electricalcontact with the extended end of the screw 65. The insulating washer 68and the binding nut 69 are threaded onto the terminal screw H3. Theterminal screw l9 makes electrical contact with the bushing 20 and issecured thereto. An insulating washer 68 and a binding nut 69 arethreaded onto the terminal screw I9.

Removably placed within the chamber 59 is the actuating mechanism madeup of the following components: A circular shell 18 and the ends H and12 enclose the chamber E5; the end 1| receives and has fastened thereinthe tube 5'! which tube extends about half way into the chamber 15;.theend 12 hasaniintcrnal extendedconcentric shell l3 which forms a spoolupon which is wound the resistance wire '16 in the space H, which: wireis insulated from the adjacent-members by the dielectric 18. Thespace 11is sealed from the, chamber lfi by the cylindrical shell "214.

Oneendfof the resistance WireJBUis electrically and mechanicallyfastenedto the spool T3, the other end passing through the insulating bushings18, secured in the head 12, and electrically and mechanicallyconnectedto the contact button '19. The dielectric disc-or plate 80 is. securedto the head 12 by the countersunk screws BI and supports the contactbutton, which button is riveted or suitably fastened to said insulatingplate 80, The contact button 19' engages the small coiled endo'f theconical spring 64, thereby making an electrical contact therewith. Thejoints between" members 51 and'll; ll and 'lO; I0 and 12'; 12 and 14;and between I4 "and 13 are solderedlbrazed, welded or so suitably madeas to render them liquid or. gas tight under pressure.

The chamber 15, Figure 6, communicates with the chamber 82, Figure 4,through the bore 83 -'of the tubing 51; all included spaces and chambersare totally filled with two liquids at normal-temperature andatmospheriepressuraand thexsaid spaces and chambers hermetically sealed: Thefirstliquid fills all of the chamber 82,the' interior 83 of the tubing51and about 70% of the included volume of the chamber 1 5. -The firstliquid has the followingcharacteristics-2 Low vaper tension pressure;low coeificient of expansion;

highjboiling pointjliq'uid at norr'nal temperatures; high specificgravity; andpractical insolubility in 1 the second liquid. The firstliquid may be glycerine. The second liquid fills the approximately ofthe space inchamber l5,

unoccupied by the first liquid. The second liquid has the following?manne isms: Highfvap'or tension pressure; rising rapidly between 60 C.

a d 1503 0,; high coefiicientof ex ansion; liquid at normaltemperatures; lower specific gravity than the first liquid, andpractical insolubility in the first liquid The second liquidmay beacetone. The above namedliquids are suitable, but -I- do notwislitdbiddnfihed to the use of the ones mentioned as there are manysubstances and 'combinations'oisubstances that maybeused to accomplishmy purpose andI wish, on occasion, to enjoy the use of any that aresuitable for the use specified. 84, lfiguresii and'T, denotes thepproximate plane of separation between the first liquid and the secondliquid, due to the' difference in their specific gravities and theirantip- 'is as follows 1 Steam, as above described, being delivered atany pressure through piping connected to the opening23 in the bushingZl,enters the bushing, passes through the open valve between the seat 24andthe discf29, and thence out of the bushing 2l by way of the pbm zsm othe first column or section of the radiator l. The valve is kept open by-thelight spring action of the bellows 4L" The steam-uponentering-theradiatonisconfined Ito thefirstsection 5 0i radiator l,,bythe porouspacking 56, which packing has the characteristic of.retardingthe passage of steam but allowing thGvWBJtEI' of; condensationtofilter through. Following the path of least resistance,

aided by itsnatural tendencytorisathe steam 'flows up through the tubes5; of saidradiator, to

the top hubs and through the nipples 3 to all other sections or columnsof said radiator, and by this methodthe steam is evenly distributedthroughout the top of the radiator first.

As more'steam enters, the spaces B-will be filled fromthev top downward,thereby displacing the heavier air therein contained, in a proper andefiicient manner. As the steam displaces the air from the interior; 5:and 6 of the radiator 'l, the

air is freely passed through: the annular passage 60; that isformed-between the shells 20, 62 and 10., and from thence it passes outof the discharge opening ,59 intoithe return piping connected thereto',there being .no; restriction whatever to its-free and unobstructedegress.

Simultaneously with the displacement of the aih-asjusit described, thesteam comes into contact with the interior surfaces-of the radiator andby convection gives up:its latent:- heat of evaporation and condensesinto the liquid form (water) which condensate is soon atzalowertemperature than the steam. Said'condensate falls to the bottomof theradiator I where it collects untilza sufiicient amount is accumulated toraise the level of same in the bottom of the radiator until it freelyfiow's through the port 6 I in the bushing-20,

and thence through the discharge opening 59 into the return piping, Thecondensates can never attain a higher level than that: indicated bybroken line 85, in Figures 1, 2, 6' and '7. In the maintenance of thelevel 85 by the condensate,

the port'or passage 6| is effectually sealed against the passage throughsameof steam or air, thereby forcingall air to" leave the radiatorviathe :annular passage 60, surrounding the shell 10 of the actuatingmechanism. SteamQin order to pass out of the radiator would have tofOllOW' the'last described course of the'air. l

When sufficient steam has entered the radiatorl to expel all of thecontained airrand overcome the existing rate of condensation, said steamwill enter the annular passage 60,where it will come'intocontact withthe shell 10 of the actuating mechanism. Upon-said contact with shelllfllas with contact with any cooler surface), the steam will give'upitslatent heat of evaporation to said shell 10, which heat willlbetransferred through the shell lll and from there to-tli'e liquids,

hereinbefore described,- therein contained 1 inithe chamber- 15. 3 Bothliquids will absorbisaid heat but no physical change of any particularconse- "quence=will"take place in the first liquid. The [second liquid,upon the absorption of-saidheat,

will, by its expansion and increase of its vapor tension pressur'e;according toits physical char ac-teristics, create a pressurewithin thechamber '15 and force a portion of thefirstliquid through the passage83, in the tube 51; 'into the chamber 82, where the-increased volumeotthe first liquid will exert a pressure uponthe outer iolds' of thebellows 49 This-*externalpressure *upon-rthe beuews 49"will contractsame and move the head 4?, together "with"theishell li'i, forward,lbeingguided in said movementby the guide member 48.

The iaee'of 48, the extended flange of shell 45,,

being in abutment withthe prongs 330i the valve 'head'28, theentireassembly of the valve he'a'd lii will move forward in a like amount tothe movement of the assembly 45, which will make the valve disc 29approach the valve seat 24, thereby restricting the quantity of steambeing admitted to the radiator in relative proportion to the amount ofheat being absorbed in the chamber 15 by the second liquid. As the valvehead assembly 28 moves forward, it is guided in collimation by the guidepost 35 in the guide chamber 43 of the adjustable guide member 49, alsothe bellows 4| are extended, overcoming their slight spring actiontending to hold the valve open.

The above described restricting or shutting down of the steam supplyentering the radiator will therefore be to a sufficient degree toprevent a further quantity of steam from entering the annular passage69, and further, a state of balance between the new supply of steam andthe existing rate of condensation will be established, preventing anyloss of uncondensed steam into the return piping, through the dischargeopening 59. Air and condensate are allowed to freely pass out of theradiator at all times, under any and all conditions of operation, as afree and unrestricted opening is constantly maintained between theinterior of the radiator and the return piping system.

Anyone skilled inthe art will appreciate that .the last above describedoperation takes place almost instantaneously. A very small amount ofenergy on the part of the second liquid is required to operate thevalve, as there is only the almost negligible friction of the parts andthe slight spring action of the sylphons 4| and 49 to overcome. Varyinginitial pressures of the steam supply has no efiect on the operation, asthe steam pressure .of the supply is always free to enter the interior85 of the bellows 4|, through the port 31, the chamber 43, and the slotsor channels 36, of the guide post 35. The effective area of the bellows4| being the same as that of the opening in the valve seat 24, an.absolutely balanced condition of the valve is always maintainedregardless of the pressure of the supplied steam or any condition ofvacua within the radiator The primary terminals 9 of the transformer('l, 8 and ID) are connected to any alternating current source ofsupply, such as a lighting or power circuit. The low voltage terminals Hof said transformer are connected through the conductors l6 and I! tothe binding posts 3 and I9 of my invention with a simple make and breakthermostat in series with said connection. A hand operated switch I5 isconnected in multiple with the said thermostat for the purpose ofshutting the radiator entirely off, as occasion demands, regardless oftemperature conditions; said thermostat may be adjusted to anypredetermined operating temperature. When the air being heated by theradiator reaches or attains the desired temperature or degree to whichthe thermostat is set, the blade I3 makes contact with the point l4,completing the low voltage circuit of the secondary of said transformer,allowing a small current to flow through the conductor I! into thebinding post terminal l9 in bushing 20. This current is conveyed throughthe terminal l8 to and through screw 65, to and through spring 64, toand through contact button 19 into the high resistance heating wire 16,coiled in the chamber 11, through said resistance wire into spool 13,thence through spool 13, head 12, shell 10, tubing 51, head 5|, shell59, 54, 2|, thence into radiator I, from radiator into bushing 20 and.into terminal binding post l9,

thence through the conductor IE to the transformer. When the currentflows as above described, the resistance wire 16 heats. Due to theheating element 16, with its enclosing casing, being fully immersed inthe first and second liquids, the greater part of the heat generated bythe heating element 16 is rapidly absorbed by the liquids named and thesame action takes place as above described as when steam comes incontact with the shell 19, with the following difference in results: Theclosing action of the valve disc 29 towards the valve seat 24 does notdiminish the heat supply being applied to the second liquid on accountof the continuing supply of heat applied thereto, furnished by theheating element 16. Therefore the valve disc 29 continues to approachthe seat 24 until the outer edge of said disc is in perfect contact allaround with said seat. This perfect seating is made possible andpositive by the articulated mounting of disc 29 on the boss or post 30.When the disc 29 has seated against the valve seat 24 a higher unitpressure contact is made between 38 and 39, thereby sealing the radiatoragainst the further entrance of steam as long as the thermostat, or thehand operated switch |5 maintains a circuit through the heating element16 from the low voltage secondary ll) of said transformer. When thesteam supply is shut off, as above described, the radiator cools down tothe temperature of the surrounding air, but the heated second liquidcontinues, through the means described, to hold the valve shut until theair, being heated by said radiator, cools down sufficiently to allowsaid thermostat to open the circuit supplying the heating element 16.Upon the breaking of said circuit, the heating element 16 cools and theliquids contained in the chamber 15 slowly lose their heat, therebylessening the pressure within said chamber which in turn allows thebellows 49 to expand, thereby allowing the valve disc 29 to recede fromthe seat 24 in proportion to the amount of heat dissipated by the secondliquid. Said opening of the valve allows a new supply of steam to enterthe radiator and, as hereinbefore described, establishes a state ofbalance between the steam supply being admitted, the existing rate ofcondensation, and the temperature of the air being heated by the saidradiator, both controls functioning as required and hereinabovedescribed.

It must be remembered, in the foregoing described operations, that thesteam is constantly giving up its latent heat of evaporation within theradiator and condensing into its liquid form and, therefore, therestricting of the opening of, or closing of, the valve admitting steamwill have an almost instantaneous effect upon the contents of theradiator and especially the steam that has entered the passage 69. Thereis naturally a condition of partial vacuum within parts of the radiatorvarying with the amount of steam being admitted and the rate ofcondensation. When the actuating mechanism has caused the valve to closeand the steam supply is shut off, there is immediately a condition ofvacua set up within the radiator, which will draw cooler vapors, and ifair is present back through the return opening 59, thereby cooling theactuating mechanism, and (provided the heating element circuit is open),through the action hereinbefore described, the valve will again beopened and steam admitted in quantity sufficient to displace said coolervapor or air from the radiator. The vacuum in the radiator materiallyassists the ingress of the steam supply, the efiect being to promote therapid circulation of the steam and the highest possible efliciency-ofthe radiating unit. Due to the cooling of the condensate discharged intothe return piping system, a state of natural vacua of varying degree isestablished in the return piping.

The fact that the return or discharge opening of the radiator is alwayswide open to the return line, precludes the possibility of ever havingmore than an atmosphere of pressure on the interior of the radiator,regardless of the pressure of the steam being supplied to same. Itthereforefollows that the radiator will have an exact and given rate ofheat emission under all operating conditions, while steam is beingadmitted to same, and also the trap formed by the passage or port 6| inthe condensation present will positively prevent steam from leaving saidradiator through said port 6|. A sufficient pressure cannot be built upin the radiator to displace said water seal in said trap of said port6|. It is apparent from the above that under any condition of operationor environment,'a radiator embodying my invention will utilize and admitto the radiator only a nicely balanced quantity of steam and then onlyin sufficient amount to just occupy and fill all space within theradiator, and, due tormy invention and the functioning of its parts, noexcess of steam (that would pass out of the radiator into thereturnpiping) is admitted into the radiator, and also such steam supply isonly sumciently admitted to maintain the desired predeterminedtemperature of the space to be heated by said radiator, therebyobtaining the highest possible efliciency of the radiating unit. I

Another embodiment and application of my invention is illustrated inFigures 2 and 3, and is constructed as follows:--The bushing 2i and allits attendant mechanism is exactly as illustrated in Figure 4, exceptthat the porous packing 56 is omitted as being'unnecessary in thisembodiment.

All parts function as hereinbefore described for the parts of Figure 4.The bushing 2| screws into a reducer 86, which reducer forms the end ofa casing 81 enclosing a chamber 88. Another reducer 89 forms the otherend of the chamber 88. The bushing 90 screws into the reducer 89, whichbushing has an extended shell 9|, forming the chamber 92. Said bushingis eccentrically tapped with a standard pipe thread at 93 and forms theoutlet or. discharge opening of the trap, and which outlet- 93 isconnected to the return piping of the system. The actuating mechanism 9en closes achamber 95 and is connected to the tubing 51, which tubingextends about half way into said chamber 95. Actuating mechanism 94 isloosely and removably accommodated in the chamber 92 of the shell 9!.The chamber 95, the tubing 5'! and the chamber'82 are completely filledwith the two liquids, hermetically sealed within, all as described inthe first embodiment of my invention; The actuating mechanism 94 in thisparticular embodiment does not contain the electrical heating elementcontained in the first embodiment of my invention.

The primary purpose of this embodiment of my invention, illustrated byFigures 2 and 3, is to provide an efiicient highor low pressure steamtrap for passing into the return system all air and condensed steam, asit accumulates, from any-pipe line, main, steam containing or condensingdevice,*cooker, heater, steam jacket, etc., without passing any steambeyond the outlet opening 93 into the return piping system. The

inlet 23 is connected to the device or apparatus that itis wished tofree of air and condensation.

The device functionsin' a similar manner to the first embodiment ashereinabove first described (omitting the air'temperature controlfromvsaid description). It is thought that anyone skilled in the art mayreadily comprehend and understand its functions andoperation from thedrawings referred to (Figures 2 and3), and the description of thefunctions of-the first embodiment of my invention; therefor I deem itunnecessary to describe in detail the operation of this embodiment of myinvention.

It is to be noted that the chamber 92 is eccentrically placed in thebushing 90 (Figures 2 and 3) and anything passing from the interior 88is forced to pass out into the return piping through the annular passage92 and make intimate contact with the actuating mechanism, 94.

By unscrewing the bushing H the entire mechanism may be readily removedfrom the radiator I, or the casing Bl, leaving only the bushing assembly20in the radiator I, or the bushing 90 in the casingB'I, as the case maybe. This feature of removal facilitates the inspection of parts, therenewal of the. valve disc 29, cleaning replacement, or salvaging thedevice for further use upon the discarding ofv thetradiator. It is to benoted that the removal of the mechanism does not disturb or necessitatethe disconnection of the electrical control wiring.

The screw-driver slot 3! in the boss 30 allows the valve opening to beadjusted without the removal of the mechanism from the radiator orcontainer. Rotating the valve head 28 by the screw-driver slot 3!retracts or advances the valve disc 29 away from or towards the valveseat .24,

and said rotation of said valve head 28 rotates the guide member throughthe bellows. 4|, which member 40 causes the complete assembly of 54, 50,5!, 49, ll, 45, 5! and complete actuating assembly (shown in Figure 6)to rotate in a like manner and amount, through the action of the drivingpin 55 between 40 and 54. It will be seen, therefore, that all parts arekept in perfect alignment, collimation and juxtaposition, regardless ofthe setting or changing of the valve opening. I The conical spring 64automatically compensates for any valve adjustment, thermal expansionand contraction of the tube 5'I, varying lengths in the manufacture.of'the mechanism and varying lengths of radiators; always maintaining anadequate electrical contact with the heating element 16 through thecontact button 19. The thermostat I2, etc., may be placed at anyadvantageous location that will properly register 7 the temperature ofthe space being heated by the radiator. L

The other embodiment of my invention, which is illustrated in Figures9,-10 and 11, is constructed as follows: The bushing 96 carries thevalve seat 97 and a valve mechanism cage 98; the cage 98 has parts-cutaway, to leave arms .99 that lie in radial slots I00 in the valveheadandserve as guides to prevent rotation of the valve II as it movestoward and from its seat. 4

IIIZ is a stationary head having a stationary guide stem I53 on which isthreaded an adjusting nut I04 and on which is located awasher I05 and acompression spring I06, the spring abutting" the washer I05 and thevalve head IIlI therebytending to unseat the valve. V

' I 01 is another stationaryhead in the valve cage 98. I08 is a movablehead with thrust arms I09 that engage the valve I0 I, and I II] isanother movable head with thrust arms II I to engage the valve IOI.

H2 and H3 are flexible metal diaphragms, the former being locatedbetween the heads I0! and I08 and the latter being located between thehead I I0 and the closed end of the valve cage 98. These flexible metaldiaphragms II2I I3 are soldered, welded, or otherwise suitably securedto their respective heads and enclose chambers I2I and I22 respectively.

I I 4 is another flexible metal diaphragm, enclosing chambers I23, oneend of which diaphragm is suitably secured to the stationary head I02and the other is secured to the valve IIlI, the valve having small portsII5 for the passage of steam from the inlet opening II6 of the bushing96 into the chamber of the diaphragm I I4 so as to maintain a balancedpressure on the valve IIII.

I I1 designates bands fixed to the valve mechanism cage 98 to serve asguides for the arms I09 and I I I.

H8 is a retaining ring for holding the packing H9 in place so that whenthe unit is inserted in the radiator communication may be out 01fbetween the first and second radiator sections at the bottom hub andnipple.

I20 is the tube which effects communication between the interior I2I ofthe bellows H2 and the port I24 in the bushing 96; the port communicateswith one end of the small bore tube I25; the other end of whichcommunicates with the interior of a flexible metal diaphragm I26 locatedwithin the casing I28 and adapted to cooperate for adjustment purposeswith an adjusting screw I2'I that is threaded into the cap of the bodycasing I28 and engages one end of the diaphragm I26, as best shown inFigure 10.

The small bore tubing I29 takes the place of tubing 5'! when themechanism of Figures 910l1 is used in lieu of that shown at the left inFigures 1 and 2. An actuating mechanism like 94 is used with themechanism of Figures 9, 10 and 11.

The embodiment of my invention just described operates as followsz-Airtemperature changes affecting the member I26 are imparted to the bellowsI I2 and through the arms I 09 thereof movement is imparted to the valveIOI correspondingly. Also the temperature variations of the member 94cause a response in the bellows II3 with consequent movement of its armsI I I imparted to the valve I0 I. It is thought that a more detaileddescription of the operation of this embodiment of the invention willnot be necessary in this application.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, it is thought that the complete construction,operation, novelty, use and advantages of my invention will be clear tothose skilled in the art to which it relates.

What I claim is:

1. An integral controlling mechanism of the character describedconsisting of a balanced valve with thermal means of actuation,insertable into: a condenser, a radiating unit, said thermal means beingonly responsive to the arrival of heating medium at the outlet of saidradiating unit and to independent heating means applied theretoresponsive to the temperature of the medium being heated.

2. In combination with a radiator comprising a plurality of verticalsections having ducts communicating between the sections at the top andat the bottom, and having an inlet for heating medium and an outlet; avalve mechanism unit insertable through the inlet into the lower ductbetween the first and second vertical sections, means cooperative withsaid valve mechanism unit to close off the heating medium passagethrough said lower duct between the first and second sections of theradiator, said valve mechanism unit including a valve to control theadmission of the heating medium, and two independent valve movingdevices, means effective by the temperature of the heating medium at thesaid outlet for actuating the other of said valve moving devices.

3. In combination with a radiator having an inlet and an outlet; a valvemechanism insertable in said inlet, comprised of an articulated balancedvalve, an expansible fluid operated bellows to vary the opening of saidvalve from open to closed positions, means for supporting and guidingsaid members, and means for adjusting and setting said valve opening; anactuating mechanism unit insertable in the outlet opening of saidradiator comprised of an expansible liquid container in communicationwith said valve operating bellows, said liquid in said container beingactuated by the heat of the heating medium that is admitted to saidradiator through said valve mechanism, when said heating medium arrivesat and comes in contact with said expansible liquid container, therebythrottling said entrance of said heating medium into said radiator,means controlled by the temperature of the medium being heated by saidradiator to apply an independent source of heat to the said expansibleliquid in the said liquid container, thereby independently closing andopening said valve as the temperature rises and falls in the mediumbeing heated by said radiator; and means for producing said heat.

4. In combination with a radiator comprising a plurality of verticalsections having longitudinal ducts between sections at top and bottom,having an inlet for heating medium, and an outlet; a valve mechanismunit insertable through the inlet into the lower duct between the firstand second vertical sections, said valve mechanism including a bushinginsertable into the radiator inlet, a cage and a valve seat carried bythe bushing, a valve within the cage cooperating with said seat, afloating guided valve head carrying an articulated valve disc, saidvalve head engaging a flange of a metal diaphragm secured to said cageand said flange, means affected by the temperature of the heating mediumarriving at the radiator outlet to contract said metal diaphragm, andthermostatic means affected by the temperature changes in thesurrounding medium being heated by said radiator for actuating saidmeans for contracting said metal diaphragm.

5. In combination with a radiator comprising a plurality of verticalsections having ducts communicating between sections at the top andthebottom, and having an inlet for the heating medium and an outlet for theproducts of the thermal transfer; a valve mechanism unit insertablethrough the inlet into the lower duct between the first and secondsections, means cooperative with said valve mechanism unit to close offthe passage of the heating medium through said lower duct between thefirst and second vertical sections of said radiator, said valvemechanism including a valve to control the admission of the heatingmedium and a valve moving device,

means effective by the temperature of the heating medium when itreaches'the said outlet for actuating the said valve moving device, andindependent means controlled by the temperature of the medium beingheated by said radiator to actuate the said valve moving device.

6. In combination with a radiating unit having a plurality of verticalsections having ducts communicating between the sections at the top andat the bottom, and having an inlet for the heating medium, and anoutlet; a valve mechanism unit insertable into and having means forblocking off said duct between the first and second sections, said valvemechanism unit including a bushing insertable into said radiator inlet,a cage carried by said bushing, said bushing and cage having a passagefor the heating medium, controlled by a valve and a valve seat, anexpansible fluid actuated means within said cage for operating saidvalve, a thermal bulb located adjacent the radiator outlet and connectedwith said expansible fluid means and affected by the temperature of theheating medium when in contact therewith for controlling the action ofsaid expansible fluid actuated means; and a thermal unit located in andcontrolled by the temperature of the surrounding medium being heated bysaid radiator, and means for independently actuating said thermal bulbby the function of said thermal unit.

7. In combination with a radiator comprising a plurality of verticalsections having ducts communicating between the sections at the top andat the bottom, and having an inlet for heating medium and an outlet; avalve mechanism unit insertable through the inletiinto the lower ductbetween the first and second vertical sections, said valve mechanismunit including a bushing insertable into the radiator inlet, a cagecarried by the bushing, said bushing and cage having a passage for theheating medium controlled by a valve and a valve seat, two expansiblefluid actuated means within said cage for separately operating saidvalve, a thermal bulb located adjacent the radiator outlet and connectedwith one of said expansible fluid means and affected by the temperatureof heating medium when in contact therewith for controlling the actionof 'a radiator which has an inlet for the heating medium and a dischargeoutlet; a valve unit insertable in the inlet, said valve including abalanced valve and a bellows for operating the valve to control theadmission of the heating medium, thermal means located adjacent thedischarge outlet and affected by the temperature of the heating mediumarriving at the said thermal means adjacent the discharge opening toactuate said bellows, other means affected by temperature changes in themedium being heated for actuating said thermal means; said thermal meanswhich is adjacent the outlet of the radiator comprising a bushinginsertable into the outlet of said radiator, a housing carried by thebushing within the radiator, a chamber located within the housing andspaced from the same, and a duct connecting said chamber and saidbellows, and a separate trapped duct through said housing into thedischarge opening.

9. A radiator having an inlet for the heating medium and having anoutlet combined with a valve unit for controlling the admission ofheating medium, means for sustaining said valve unit within the radiatoradjacent the inlet, a valve controlling unit, means located at theoutlet of the heater for receiving said controlling unit, a ductconnecting said controlling unit with said valve unit whereby saidcontrolling unit is supported by said valve unit and susceptible ofbeing removed from the radiator with said valve unit as a singlestructure, said controlling unit having provisions actuated by thetemperature changes for actuating the valve of said valve unit inaccordance with the temperature change within the radiator, saidcontrolling unit including an electric heating device and a thermostatcontrolled electric circuit cooperatively connected with said electricheating device, with the thermostat located in the medium to be heatedfor the purposes described.

EBER F. PIERS.

